Position Statement

Some brief thoughts which comprise an informal expectation of conduct:

Maturity & Respect: Everything begins here. Scholar Victoria is founded on respect for each other, for ourselves, and other members of the fencing community. Fencing should raise us all up together, not tear us apart. Respect can be taken to include many things, including:

Conducting ourselves impartially and professionally with students and coaches during the class

Conducting ourselves appropriately online in a context that could be construed as representing the school

There is no place in the training hall for bullying, grudges, or animosities – see communication and attitude.

Safety: Let’s be honest – swords were originally made to hurt people. We, on the other hand, want to practice in a safe environment. Together, through proper equipment and attitude, we can work to minimise those risks.

Accept that injuries may happen, especially in tournaments.

Being proactive in injury avoidance during training.

Wearing the appropriate equipment while drilling, sparring, or competing.

Moderating fencing intensity based on the skill, personality, and protective equipment of your partner.

Acknowledging when you have been in a circumstance where your partner has been injured, showing proper concern and respect for their injuries.

Reviewing circumstances of injuries with staff and involved participants to come up with ways to avoid repeated incidents.

Don’t train if you’ve been drinking or are otherwise unable to fence

Communication: Communication is the key to our success and happiness as fencers. Good communication includes:

Listening to others with an open mind.

Being open and honest in communication with students and instructors concerning class issues.

Letting instructors know if you have a pre-existing injury, or have sustained an injury while fencing.

Letting your instructor know if you don’t understand a technique or lesson, or are having problems in class.

In the case of personal conflict, speaking with the instructor and openly discussing any issues.

Attitude: While swordsmanship is not without its serious side, we believe that as a group it should be approached with an attitude of enthusiasm, openness, and a sense of fun. There is no room in classes for animosity, agendas, grudges, feelings of superiority, or any other attitude which undermines the enjoyment of the sport for your classmates.

Likewise there is nothing wrong with appropriately channeled competitive spirit and desire for excellence. A passion to excel is a wonderful thing so long as it isn’t at the expense of your peers.

Historical Martial Arts are for everyone. Let’s help keep it that way.

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2 weeks ago

Pools for Sword Fight IV are complete; Sky Chen finishes in a top 8 position. Great job Sky.